The relentless thrust of globalization and the unexpected termination of the Cold War have increased rather than reduced global tensions. These developments force us to reconsider some themes once thought to be exhausted. Migrations, the formation of Diaspora communities, and the resurgence of ethnicities, both old and new, have transformed our understanding of nationalism and conventional conceptions of the nation-state. The 2008 conference will consider the above themes.Franklin W. Knight will chair the 2008 conference program committee.